Is Elvis really dead? Is Avril Lavigne actually Avril Lavigne? Did aliens build the pyramids? Did the Roman Empire truly exist? And if it didn’t, what the heck are men thinking about every day? Is Lauren actually Belle, and is Belle actually Lauren?

WHO’S TO SAY?!

Join us as we dive into the wild and wacky world of conspiracy theories. Honestly, it’s rabbit holes galore over here. 

Is Elvis Pastor Joyce?: https://youtu.be/Mi3CTPwIpSQ?si=vsFBpW2WK-prM4pg

Is Avril Lavigne really Avril Lavigne?: Avril Lavigne Death And Lookalike Conspiracy Theory Explained

Did Micheal Jackson secretly direct his own televised tribute concert?:  https://www.reddit.com/r/MichaelJackson/comments/bca9ft/is_michael_jackson_dead_think_twice_some_things/?rdt=43381

Disclaimer: While this is a Christian podcast, we discuss mainstream and secular content which may include bad language, sexual content and violence, please use your own discretion when deciding what to engage with.

OK, we had to go there - unless you’ve been living under a blissful rock, you’ll know that this week has been a pretty historic one. We share our thoughts on the outcome of the American election - what it tells us about who we choose to believe in, and why.  

And then we promptly make ourselves feel better by talking about Christmas Adjacent content. It’s a thing, trust us. There’s also talk of sobbing on stages as we ask ourselves: how vulnerable is too vulnerable? 

If this episode had a catchphrase, it would almost certainly be: ‘laugh, cry and be merry (adjacent)’ 

Links: 

For Richard Gadd’s GQ piece: https://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/article/richard-gadd-interview-2024

For Good Housekeeping’s rundown of the best mince pies (you’re welcome): Best mince pies for Christmas 2024 UK, tried and tested

For Francis Collins’ book: The Road to Wisdom by Francis S. Collins | Waterstones

For information on Jubilee+: Jubilee+

Disclaimer: While this is a Christian podcast, we discuss mainstream and secular content which may include bad language, sexual content and violence, please use your own discretion when deciding what to engage with.

SHOW NOTES

To watch the Australian Office or not to watch the Australian Office? To read Sally Rooney or not to read Sally Rooney? These are just a couple of the questions we tackle on this week’s Cross Culture. Belle and Lauren also talk about the art and wonder of ‘Mothering’ plus actress, Saoirse Ronan’s, viral moment. Oh, and there’s a spot of chat about AI partners and sex parties at the end. 

We really pulled in a LOT of different directions this week. It’s a good’un. 

And listen, we’re not ignoring the news to beat all other news - we’ll be talking all about the brand-spanking-not-so-new President of the USA next week.

Links:

For the Australian Office: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/video/detail/amzn1.dv.gti.14c93ef2-0501-4cca-af55-9226a5c3648e?autoplay=0&ref_=atv_cf_strg_wb

For the Mothers: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/05/13/style/mother-internet-slang-lgbtq.html

https://www.thecut.com/article/martha-stewart-secret-to-staying-young-documentary.html

https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/uk/lifestyle/a62661477/dolly-parton-december-cover/

https://graziadaily.co.uk/celebrity/news/christmas-with-elizabeth-hurley/

https://graziadaily.co.uk/celebrity/news/philippine-leroy-beaulieu-sylvie-emily-in-paris/

For Sally Rooney’s new novel: Intermezzo by Sally Rooney | Waterstones

Disclaimer: While this is a Christian podcast, we discuss mainstream and secular content which may include bad language, sexual content and violence, please use your own discretion when deciding what to engage with.

Normal service is resumed this week as Lauren and Belle dive into the New York Times’ column and podcast Modern Love. They discuss a selection of top tier books from Jade and John Reynolds, Frank C Laubach and Ferne Cotton. There’s a quick stop off with Belle at Chicken Shop dates before Lauren dips her toe into Netflix’s current true crime offering. Oh, and there’s a lot of Andrew Garfield. You’re welcome.

Links:

• NYTs’ Modern Love 
  • The column: https://www.nytimes.com/column/modern-love
  • Amazon show: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Modern-Love/dp/B0875X93SN/ref=sr_1_1
  • The podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/03Er7mSPq9IEewOgbPD3vO
• Letters by a Modern Mystic by Frank C. Laubach: https://www.waterstones.com/book/letters-by-a-modern-mystic/frank-c-laubach/9780281066124
• Bigger Than Us by Fearne Cotton: https://www.waterstones.com/book/bigger-than-us/fearne-cotton/9781529108675
• Jade and John’s Able To Laugh: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Able-Laugh-struggle-much-loved-interabled/dp/0281089817
• Andrew Garfield’s Chicken Shop Date: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eFS5vxYlfY8
• Woman of the hour:
  • Show: https://www.netflix.com/gb/title/81728818
  • Podcast: https://wondery.com/shows/the-dating-game-killer/
• Sweet Bobby:
  • Show: https://www.netflix.com/gb/title/81591286
  • Podcast: https://www.tortoisemedia.com/listen/sweet-bobby/

Disclaimer: While this is a Christian podcast, we discuss mainstream and secular content which may include bad language, sexual content and violence, please use your own discretion when deciding what to engage with.

Hey friends. Us again. We’re so glad you’re here. This episode is a little different - slightly lighter on the laughs, and heavier on the topics raised. We - your pals, Belle and Lauren - discuss the sad news about Liam Payne and break open our thoughts on Russell Brand’s pretty dramatic turn to Christianity. 

There’s a lot in there. And so, here’s what we need you to know - this episode contains talk of addiction, suicide, and sexual assault. If that feels a little too heavy for you, please do give this episode a miss. We’ll be back next week with our usual dose of tomfoolery. 

Much love, 

Windle and Tindall 

Links:

Rachel Newham’s ‘And Yet’: And Yet: Finding Joy in Lament: Amazon.co.uk: Newham, Rachael: 9780281085705: Books

Patrick Regan’s ‘Honesty Over Silence: Honesty Over Silence: It's OK Not To Be OK: Amazon.co.uk: Regan, Patrick: 9780281089291: Books

Lauren’s ‘Notes On Feminism’:Notes on Feminism: Being a woman in a Church led by men: Amazon.co.uk: Windle, Lauren: 9780281087679: Books

Disclaimer: While this is a Christian podcast, we discuss mainstream and secular content which may include bad language, sexual content and violence, please use your own discretion when deciding what to engage with.

WE’RE BACK. Episode two, baby! And this week it’s battle of the books - Lauren takes on Boris Johnson’s memoir, while Belle chooses Miranda Hart’s latest offering. And, my oh my, do they spark off some interesting conversations. In other news, it’s Gilmore Girls season - time for Belle to officially welcome Lauren into the ever-cosy, always quaint, Gilmore-gang. Plus, Philip Schofied, clingfilm, and Lauren’s Lorraine Kelly impression are all on offer in this week’s episode. 

It’s a corker. 

Links: Boris Johnson’s ‘Unleashed’: https://www.waterstones.com/book/unleashed/boris-johnson/9780008618209

Miranda Hart’s ‘I Haven’t Been Entirely Honest With You’: I Haven’t Been Entirely Honest with You by Miranda Hart | Waterstones

Netflix’s ‘Nobody Wants This’: https://www.netflix.com/gb/title/81591296

Gilmore Girls: https://www.netflix.com/gb/title/70155618

Belle’s ‘Cosy Season’ article: Cosy season: creating meaning amid the mundane | Seen & Unseen (seenandunseen.com)

Channel Five’s ‘Phillip Schofield: Castaway’: My5 - Phillip Schofield Cast Away - Season 1 - Episode 1 / Episode 1 (channel5.com)

And King Charles shrieking at clingfilm, for good measure: https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/royals/king-charles-didnt-realise-what-33832141

Disclaimer: While this is a Christian podcast, we discuss mainstream and secular content which may include bad language, sexual content and violence, please use your own discretion when deciding what to engage with.

What a time to be alive. It’s here, the pilot episode of Cross Culture with us, your trusty hosts - Lauren Windle and Belle Tindall. Welcome, pals. In this, our very first episode, we explore the beauty and absurdity of Married At First Sight, gush over how much we love Francis Spufford, learn about the sheer weirdness of Julian of Norwich, and ponder why cheesy faith-based films make so much darn money. 

Links

Channel 4’s Married At First Sight: https://www.channel4.com/programmes/married-at-first-sight-uk/on-demand/73974-001

Franics Spufford’s Unapologetic: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Unapologetic-everything-Christianity-surprising-emotional/dp/0571225225

Spufford on Re-enchanting: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=brLcJQU2Q28 

Beth O’Leary’s ‘The Wake-Up Call: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Wake-Up-Call-enemies-lovers-million-copy/dp/1529418267/ref=sr_1_1

Elizabeth Neep's books: https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/Elizabeth-Neep/author/B0859KXK16 

Julian of Norwich’s ‘Revelations of Divine Love’: https://www.gutenberg.org/files/52958/52958-h/52958-h.htm

John Harris at The Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/sep/15/meaning-modern-life-nick-cave-chaotic-world

Stat-Significant Sub-Stack: https://www.statsignificant.com/p/the-rise-of-faith-based-films-a-statistical 

Disclaimer: While this is a Christian podast, we discuss mainstream and secular content which may include bad language, sexual content and violence, please use your own discretion when deciding what to engage with.

I know what you’re thinking: where oh where can I find a conversation that stretches from Rowan Williams’ theology to Charlie XCX’s ‘brat summer’?

Well, thank the Heavens - you’re in the right place. Welcome, dear friend, to episode 9 of Cross Culture. 

It’s another wonderfully-wide reaching episode where we chat about our friends, Rowan and Charlie, and also about manifesting, how it feels when God breaks your heart for something/someone, sober-curious-ness, and what we’re willing to watch with our parents. 

Links: 

For Rowan’s review of ‘We Who Wrestle With God’: https://www.theguardian.com/books/2024/nov/20/we-who-wrestle-with-god-by-jordan-b-peterson-review-a-culture-warrior-out-of-his-depth

Esquire’s ‘The Invisible Man’: https://www.esquire.com/news-politics/a62875397/homelessness-in-america/?src=longreads

Cambridge and Collins’ words of the year: Cambridge Dictionary reveals Word of the Year 2024 - BBC News

• Collins - The Collins Word of the Year 2024 is…

Millis Gooch’s ‘Booze-Less’: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Booze-Less-Rethinking-Drinking-Curious_A/dp/1797231227/ref=asc_df_1797231227 

Netflix’s ‘Man on the Inside’: https://www.netflix.com/gb/title/81677257

Disclaimer: While this is a Christian podcast, we discuss mainstream and secular content which may include bad language, sexual content and violence, please use your own discretion when deciding what to engage with.

It’s the final episode of Cross Culture season 2 - I know, I know. We’re wiping the tears away, too. 

In this, our finale, we speak about Lauren’s ‘agonisingly beautiful’ milestone, the HUMONGOUS reaction to Katy Perry’s eleven minutes in space, and whether good christian fiction exists. We’ve left you with a good’un. 

Until we meet again, dear friends. 

Windle and Tindall x

Disclaimer: While this is a Christian podcast, we discuss mainstream and secular content which may include bad language, sexual content and violence, please use your own discretion when deciding what to engage with.

Scientists have just discovered ‘the most bitter substance known to mankind’ And no, it’s not Belle’s feelings toward Netflix’s Pride and Prejudice remake. Close call, though. 

In this, our penultimate episode of season two of Cross Culture, we walk our way through the week’s cultural happenings: Katy Perry popping to space, the return of Black Mirror, and what we’ll be consuming (and not consuming) this Easter weekend. 

Until next week, friends. 

Windle and Tindall x

Disclaimer: While this is a Christian podcast, we discuss mainstream and secular content which may include bad language, sexual content and violence, please use your own discretion when deciding what to engage with.

Here comes the sun doo da doo doo. Partly because the weather is getting better and partly because we’re chatting about the Beatles quadrilogy casting. But that’s not all this week folks; it’s also the whimsy of Bob Mortimer on Off Menu with James Acaster and Bob Mortimer, our feelings about Meryl Streep as Aslan, the surprising popularity of Beth Allison’s Barr’s Becoming the Pastor's Wife, our disinterest in the latest Celebrity Big Brother and the rise of the Shabbat dinner. 

LINKS:

Off menu: https://shows.acast.com/offmenu/episodes/ep116-bobmortimer

The Beatles casting: https://www.theguardian.com/music/2025/apr/01/beatles-biopics-actors-cast-announced-joseph-quinn-barry-keoghan-harris-dickinson-paul-mescal

Meryl Streep as Aslan in Narnia: https://deadline.com/2025/04/meryl-streep-aslan-greta-gerwig-netflix-narnia-movie-1236358278/

Beth Allison Barr: Becoming the Pastor's Wife: How Marriage Replaced Ordination as a Woman's Path to Ministry: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Becoming-Pastors-Wife-Marriage-Ordination/dp/1587435896 

Disclaimer: While this is a Christian podcast, we discuss mainstream and secular content which may include bad language, sexual content and violence, please use your own discretion when deciding what to engage with.

Boy oh boy, do we cover some ground today. 

Witches, White Lotus, The Simpsons, Snow White - there truly is something for everyone in this episode of Cross Culture.  And all of that on just seven hours of sleep. Astounding. 

Have yourselves a sunny (and sleepy) week, dear listeners.  Windle and Tindall x 

LINKS

• Belle’s article on witchcraft: https://www.seenandunseen.com/why-are-we-so-bewitched-witches
• The Five by Halle Rubenhold: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Five-Untold-Lives-Killed-Ripper/dp/0857524488
• Theology of the womb by Christy Angelle Bauman: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Theology-Womb-Knowing-through-Woman/dp/1532662173
• White lotus article: https://www.seenandunseen.com/white-lotus-understands-lot-not-christianity
• God is not a white man by Chine MacDonald: https://www.amazon.co.uk/God-Not-White-Man-Revelations/dp/1529349079/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0
• Unmaking Mary: Shattering the Myth of Perfect Motherhood by Chine MacDonald: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Unmaking-Mary-Shattering-Perfect-Motherhood-ebook/dp/B0DBKZYWT2
• White Lotus: https://www.nowtv.com/watch/the-white-lotus/iYEQZ2rcf32XR9BdJWHTfy/iYsxVQTYrUBMYn8z4L9y9h/seasons/3
• Rolling Stone’s review of Snow White: https://www.rollingstone.com/tv-movies/tv-movie-reviews/snow-white-review-rachel-zegler-gal-gadot-1235297513/

Disclaimer: While this is a Christian podcast, we discuss mainstream and secular content which may include bad language, sexual content and violence, please use your own discretion when deciding what to engage with.

Well well well, here we are at the half-way mark for Season 2 - can you blooming believe it?! 

Today we talk about Belle’s big news, we ponder whether Finland truly exists, and we learn nothing about Mormonism. Plus, we couldn’t not talk about Adolescence, could we? And this is where we want to offer you a little warning - Adolescence deals with some heavy topics (violence, sexual assault, murder,) and so, we naturally talk those things through, too. If that means that this isn’t the right episode for you, we totally understand. Take care of yourselves, friends. 

Until next week, 

Windle and Tindall x

• The Happiness Index, BBC: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cr72xep44kdo 
• Adolescence, Netflix: https://www.netflix.com/title/81756069 
• Laura Bates, Men Who Hate Women: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Men-Who-Hate-Women-misogyny/dp/1471194337
• The Secret World of Incels, C4: https://www.channel4.com/programmes/the-secret-world-of-incels-untold 
• We Need to Talk... About Race, Ben Lindsay: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Need-Talk-About-Race-Christian-ebook/dp/B0D8BJ7J8H 
• The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, Disney+: https://www.disneyplus.com/en-gb/browse/entity-58cd73be-408d-4eed-8e3d-82339f3f93e2 
• Devil In The Family, Disney+: https://www.disneyplus.com/en-gb/browse/entity-302e037b-92b9-4c45-8acd-a0db60d5a159 

Disclaimer: While this is a Christian podcast, we discuss mainstream and secular content which may include bad language, sexual content and violence, please use your own discretion when deciding what to engage with.

Tomorrow is international day of happiness friends and we couldn’t be happier with all the ground we covered on this week’s show. 

You want to know what on Earth’s been going on on Married At First Sight Australia? We’ve got you covered. Keen for some of the best books, both Christian and not Christian but with a surprise Christian ending? We’ve got that too. Want to chat the Harry Potter reboot, the return of Ted Lasso, Black Mirror and Freaky Friday? Such a coincidence… we do too.

Enjoy folks.

Love In Exile:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Love-Exile-Shon-Faye/dp/0241605989/ref=asc_df_0241605989

Normal, Imperfect Heroes:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Normal-Imperfect-Heroes-failures-leadership/dp/028109098X

Wild Bright Hope:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/0281091005/ref=sspa_dk_detail_0 

Harry Potter cast rumours: https://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/article/harry-potter-tv-series-cast#intcid=_gq-uk-verso-hp-trending_40ee6d73-fb64-499c-8c76-b3cb6b3d054b_popular4-2 

Disclaimer: While this is a Christian podcast, we discuss mainstream and secular content which may include bad language, sexual content and violence, please use your own discretion when deciding what to engage with.

What do Elizabeth Oldfield’s book, Meghan Markle’s basil seeds, and Billie Piper’s decoy have  in common?! They’re all mentioned in this episode of Cross Culture. No, I’m not kidding. This may just be our most varied episode yet. 

And, you know what?! You’re welcome, good people. 

Until next time, 

Your pals - Windle and Tindall x 

Disclaimer: While this is a Christian podcast, we discuss mainstream and secular content which may include bad language, sexual content and violence, please use your own discretion when deciding what to engage with.

The wait is over.

Winter has passed, the spring has come and Cross Culture is BACK. IN. ACTION. 

And my gosh do we have some things to catch up on. This episode is all about rounding up the biggest moments of the past few weeks - Timothee Chalamet being very ambitious, Bianca Censori being very naked, and Trump being… well, very Trump.  

Oh, it’s good to be back. 

This season, you - our dearest listeners - can get in touch. We’d love to hear your questions, your recommendations and just some good old fashioned feedback. Get in touch via:  podcrossculture@gmail.com

Until next week, friends. 

Windle and Tindall x  

It’s the final episode of season one of Cross Culture. Can you believe it?! Well, you can weep about it into your tub of celebrations because it’s also the Christmas Special, baby. 

We, Lauren and Belle, give you our review of 2024 - offering our biggest ‘moments’, ‘heroes’, ‘plot-twists’ and ‘trends’. And then, we get christmassy with it. We talk sit-com specials, cheesy Netflix Christmas films, advent content, and Gavin and Stacey predictions. All for your listening pleasure (and for ours too, if we’re honest).

We have truly loved spending these past couple of months with you and cannot wait to join you again in 2025. But until then, it’s a merry cheerio from us. 

Much love, 

The Twindles x 

For the advent books: Honest Advent by Scott Erickson, Morgan Harper Nichols | Waterstones 

Advent by Fleming Rutledge | Waterstones

For the Motherland Christmas special (it’s better than Belle made it sound, we promise): Motherland - Christmas Special - BBC iPlayer

For the Hallmark Christmas film connoisseurs among you: https://www.netflix.com/gb/title/81766198

• https://www.netflix.com/gb/title/81764579
• https://www.netflix.com/gb/title/81045305

For Seen and Unseen’s Christmas countdown: seenandunseen.com / Instagram 

Disclaimer: While this is a Christian podcast, we discuss mainstream and secular content which may include bad language, sexual content and violence, please use your own discretion when deciding what to engage with.